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MANCHESTER, England — The job of coaching one of football’s most iconic teams has been granted to David Moyes, a former professional player who will have to step into the shoes of fellow Glaswegian Alex Ferguson.

Manchester United chose an unglamorous coach to take over from the 71-year-old Ferguson, seeking long-term success by awarding Moyes a six-year contract yesterday.

Moyes and Ferguson come from identical backgrounds and were raised on the tough streets of Scotland. Both have reputations for enjoying confrontation and strong discipline.

Moyes will arrive from Everton, never having won a trophy there, to take over the reins on July 1 of a United side fresh from its 13th Premier League title under Ferguson.

And as with everything else at United, the retiring Ferguson played a key role in the decision, recommending his fellow Scot to build on the foundations for success he has laid at Old Trafford since 1986.

“I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job,” Moyes said in a statement. “I have great respect for everything he has done and for the football club.”“I know how hard it will be to follow the best manager ever,” Moyes said. “But the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn’t something that comes around very often.” — AP

After 11 years at Everton operating on a modest budget, the 50-year-old Moyes has been given a chance to prove he can cut it at the highest level by filling the shoes of a manager who has produced nearly 50 trophies for United.